Knowledge Base

Choosing windows and doors

How do I choose a window or door?

Our immediate answer to the question of how you should go about choosing a window or a door is that you should speak to us. But you could also start with this comprehensive guide from the Australian Window Association. (Bet you didn’t know there was an Australian Window Association, did you? And now all you can think about is what fun their awards nights must be.)

How to choose a kitchen window

Choosing a window for a kitchen, involves asking whether the window is about the view or the breeze.

Find a bench, the height of your new kitchen surfaces or breakfast bar. Sit or stand at it and pretend to open your new window. It will help you to visualise what sort of window you want. For instance, you might realise you don’t want a double hung window, because you wanted a breeze but you can’t reach high enough that you’d be able to open it.

Ribbon windows, long slender panels of fixed glass, are popular in modern kitchen design. They’re great to let the light in, but you won’t get a breeze. If you like this look but you want a breeze, consider a sashless sliding window.

On the other hand, if you’ll be entertaining, you might like a servery type window to make it easy to pass food and refreshments through.

How to choose a bathroom window

Ventilation and privacy are the greatest challenges in the bathroom. Privacy can be a particular concern if the neighbours are close.

One great option instead of the standard slider is a high bank of louvres or awning windows. Privacy is less of an issue when windows are installed up high (unless you live next to a block of flats or a nosy giant).

Louvres or awning windows (push out windows) are good options because they can easily be automated to open when it gets hot or close when they sense rain.

How to choose windows for a lounge or dining room

When it comes to living, dining or other entertaining rooms, think large! The better the view, the bigger the windows should be.

You might want to think about a servery bar with a bifold window so you can put a bench on each side. Or bring the outside in with louvres that minimise the horizontal lines breaking up your view.If you haven’t built yet, sit on the block. Position yourself where your living room will be. What can you see, especially when sitting down. The last thing you want is to have your windows built too high to enjoy the best parts of your view.

How to choose bedroom windows

If you’re only thinking of windows in the bedroom in terms of breeze, think again. If you have a view, your bedroom windows can make you feel like you’re on holiday.

Louvres are a wonderful choice, particularly if you plant a small screened garden outside. If you really want the resort-feel, how about a pair of French-style hinged doors that open onto your own private sanctuary or reading nook.